Post Secondary Enrollment Option (PSEO)
Allows eligible juniors and seniors in Minnesota schools to register for postsecondary course work.
The Post Secondary Enrollment Options Act (PSEOA) allows eligible juniors and seniors in Minnesota schools to register for postsecondary course work with tuition, books, and some fees paid by the Minnesota Department of Education.
The PSEO Program, a division of UMD Continuing Education Credit and Noncredit Programs, was developed to aid high school students in their transition to University life. We help students select proper courses and make referrals to other UMD departments and services when appropriate.
Eligibility
Students must be in the top 20% of their high school class with at least a GPA of 3.5. Home schooled students are admitted on a probationary status.
Students must be a resident of the State of Minnesota. Foreign exchange students are not eligible to participate.
How to Apply
Schedule an appointment with your high school counselor to discuss the suitability of participation in this program. Bring the Notice of Student Registration and UMD PSEO Program Application forms to this meeting, or request the forms from your counselor. .
Submit the following materials to UMD:
- University of Minnesota Duluth PSEO application (you may download in pdf format)
- Department of Education Notice of Student Registration form; sections 1 and 2 (you may download in pdf format)
- Balance Sheet (you may download in pdf format)
- Official high school transcript and University/College transcript if applicable (a transcript of any course work completed at another institution is required)
- Writing sample (see PSEO application form for specific topics)
All materials must be submitted or postmarked on or before the application deadline in order to be considered complete and on-time. If any part is received or completed after the postmark deadline, your application will not be considered. Mail your completed application materials to the following address. PLEASE NOTE: FAXED APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
PSEO Program
University of Minnesota Duluth
Continuing Education
104 Darland Administration Building
1049 University Drive
Duluth, Minnesota 55812 3011
To expedite your application, please do not send it to the Admissions Office.
The PSEO staff reviews applications; and while we may consult with high school counselors, the decision to admit is made solely by the postsecondary institution. Students will be notified by mail whether they have been accepted or not. Information regarding orientation and registration is sent to those accepted. Registration information for fall semester will be sent in mid-July. Registration for spring semester will be sent in mid-December.
Applications are evaluated based upon a number of criteria, including high school GPA, class rank (when available), college aptitude test scores (when available), the quality and creativity of the applicant’s writing, and other factors that display a student’s maturity and academic preparedness for college coursework. We encourage all motivated students to apply, but students should explore alternative colleges or universities if not accepted to UMD.
Deadlines for applications
June 1 |
for Fall Semester |
December 1 |
for Spring Semester |
What to Expect Once Accepted
Course Load: Students may attend UMD part time and continue with courses at their high school, or they may attend UMD full time. If a high school has six class sessions a day a students may take four at their high school and two at UMD. Four semester credits at UMD shall equate to one year of a high school courses. Full-time students may take from 12 – 15 credits in their first semester of registration; with exemplary performance in the program, this may increase to 16 or 17 credits for returning seniors only. College credit taken while in high school often doubles the students’ education progress, since credits may be counted toward both high school and college graduation.
Continuing in the Program:: A junior in high school may participate in the PSEO program for two years as long as their high school rank, performance in UMD courses, and their high school courses meet the criteria. A PSEO student must be in the top 20% of their high school class and have an overall GPA of 2.5 after each semester of participation. If a student does not do well during their junior year participating during their senior year is not guaranteed.
Continuation in the PSEO program is dependent on the student’s scholastic standing at UMD and includes coursework being taken at the high school. Poor academic performance may result in probationary status and eventual suspension. Students placed on probation will be required to reduce the number of attempted credits in the subsequent semester. Students who fail a course will be dismissed from the program. The PSEO director/counselor will check the mid term alert report but it is also the student’s responsibility to schedule an appointment with the PSEO counselor when encountering difficulties in a course or when considering dropping a course.
Orientation: The PSEO program holds mandatory orientation sessions each semester for newly admitted students. The agenda includes an introduction to UMD and the PSEO program, a campus tour, and offers an opportunity to raise questions and concerns about PSEO and its implications. Students complete class registration forms at this time. The registration process for a returning student does not involve a scheduled meeting.
Meetings: Mandatory meetings for all PSEO students will be held throughout the academic year. The dates, times, and locations will be announced well in advance of each meeting. Failure to attend meetings could jeopardize your registration placement.
Subsequent Registrations: Each semester, returning PSEO students need to submit a new Notice of Student Registration form, the UMD registration form, and an official, complete, up-to-date high school transcript by the deadline dates.
Registration: Registration is allowed through the end of the second week of each semester. Because class sizes are limited, students are encouraged to complete the registration form at orientation to ensure the best selection of course offerings. All registrations are processed through the PSEO Counselor and CE Registration staff. Students may begin the PSEO program during either of our two academic semesters. PSEO is not offered during summer sessions.
Course Limitations: PSEO students may not take music lessons, studio art classes, on line classes, some physical education courses, individualized/independent student courses, directed study, and other courses with high or hidden course fees. A math placement is required in order to make sure the student is in the correct level for beginning math classes. Micro and Macro Economics classes have prerequisites of 15 credits. In addition, high school students may not participate in study abroad programs.
Student ID Cards: Student
identification cards (U-Cards) will be obtained at the PSEO Orientation/Registration
meeting, if a student does not already have a card. The U-Card offices is
located at 127 Kirby Plaza. The card is considered valid identification
for many University services and functions. If the card is lost there is
a $15 replacement fee.
Grades: Grades are posted approximately two weeks after the end of each semester. An unofficial transcript will be sent to the student and the high school counselor shortly thereafter. An incomplete in a course is unacceptable. Students may access their own grades off the WEB at http://www.d.umn.edu/registrar/reg_grades.htm
Transfer of Credits after High School: The University of Minnesota requires students to submit transcripts of any previous college course work. All UMD credits earned prior to high school graduation establishes a permanent University record. In addition, if a student applies to a postsecondary institution outside the University of Minnesota, the student is responsible for transferring all college credits to that institution. The student must pay for an official transcript to be sent to another college or university.
Books: One week prior to the beginning of each semester students can pick up textbooks at UMD Campus Books. A listing of registered PSEO students and their classes will be at the Department Charge counter at the front of the bookstore. Students MUST return their books to the PSEO office by the last day of final exam week at UMD. If students do not return their textbooks, a hold will be placed on their records. Students and their high schools will not receive transcripts until the holds are removed.
Parking: Parking permits may be purchased by PSEO student on a first come fist serve basis prior to fall semester just like every other UMD student. A few permits are available at the beginning of spring semester. See parking lot map: http://www.d.umn.edu/parking/lots.html Meters are also available on campus and free bus rides are offered by DTA with a U-card identification.
Housing: On-campus housing is not available to PSEO students. Information about available off-campus housing can be obtained at http://www.d.umn.edu/kirby/housing/ It is the student’s responsibility to arrange housing.
Health Service: Students can elect to pay a fee to use the UMD Health Services facility. You will need your parent’s permission on a release form. http://www.d.umn.edu/hlthserv/
Recreational Sports Passes: Since PSEO students do not pay the student service fees, you will need to purchase a Rec Sports pass (about $65 per semester) if you want to use those facilities. PSEO student cannot participate in Rec Sports intramurals. For more information on facilities and programs: http://www.umdrsop.org/
Disability Services: Contact Disability Services and Resources. http://www.d.umn.edu/access/
PSEO Calendar
|
||
June 1
Week of August 4 |
Application deadline for the PSEO program for fall semester 2008. No exceptions. Please note faxed applications will not be accepted. PSEO orientation/registration sessions. Attendance at one of these sessions is mandatory for both new and returning students who are accepted into the PSEO program for fall semester 2008. Students will be notified mid-July which session to attend. |
|
| FALL SEMESTER 2008 | ||
| August 25 | Students may pick up their textbooks at the UMD Bookstore on or after this date. | |
| September 1 | Official holiday; parking decals on sale. | |
| September 2 | Fall semester classes begin. | |
| September 15 | End of the second week - last day to change grading option or cancel a course and not have it recorded on the student's transcript. No fall semester registrations are accepted after this date. Last day to add classes | |
| October 27 | End of the eighth week - cancellation of courses after this date is not permitted. | |
| November | Students should contact their high school guidance counselor, and submit the Notice of Student Registration form to the PSEO office by the deadline of December 1, 2008. | |
| November 27-28 | Thanksgiving Holiday | |
| December 1 | Application deadline for the PSEO program for spring semester 2009. No exceptions. Completed state forms are due for returning students. | |
| December 8 | Registration for returning PSEO students. | |
| December 12 | Last day of classes for Fall Semester 2008. | |
| December 15-19 | Final exams. Students must turn in their textbooks by the end of finals on December 19in the PSEO office – 104 Darland. | |
| December 19- January 20 |
Semester break | |
| SPRING
SEMESTER 2009 |
||
| January 7 | Registration/orientation meeting for new PSEO students | |
| January 12 | Students may pick up their textbooks at the UMD Bookstore on or after this date. No exceptions. | |
| January 19 | Holiday | |
| January 20 | Spring semester 2009 classes begin. | |
| February 2 | End of the second week last day to change grading option or cancel a course and not have it recorded on the student's transcript. No spring semester registrations are accepted after this date. Last day to add classes | |
| March 13 | Last day of classes before spring break | |
| March 16-20 | Spring break | |
| March 23 | Classes resume. End of the eighth week cancellation of courses after this day is not permitted | |
| May 8 | Last day of classes for spring semester | |
| May 12-16 | Final exams. Students must turn in their textbooks by the end of finals on May 16 in the PSEO office – 104 Darland. | |
| May 25 | Holiday - Campus Closed | |
| June 1 | Application deadline for the PSEO program for fall semester 2009. No exceptions. Please note faxed applications will not be accepted. | |
| Mid-July | Orientation/Registration packets sent to accepted PSEO students. | |
| Mid-August | Orientation/Registration sessions for returning and new students | |
Contact Us
The Continuing Education Student Support Services staff hope to make your experience with UMD a gratifying one. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. Office hours: 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with later appointments available upon request. For information on the PSEO program, contact: